​New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, in fact relative to population, it’s the highest.

Most Kiwis will be quick to tell you it’s because of the hole in the ozone layer, or that the ozone is “thinner” here. While this isn’t strictly true, the country does get more than its fair share of UV exposure, with peak UV intensities around 40% greater than at comparable latitudes in Europe.

Precautions against skin cancer

First things first – you need to know your body.

Becoming familiar with your existing moles, spots, and your skin overall is the first step in cancer prevention. Check yourself regularly, and if possible, book in for a mole map and / or dermatoscopy and have all those marks and lesions recorded and checked. If you know your skin well enough, then you can spot any changes that occur early on, and have them checked out before they grow into something more serious.

Most sunscreens with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher, do a great job of protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Everyone in New Zealand who is out in the sun should be using sunscreen, even if it’s not a hot day. Remember, it’s the sunlight that is dangerous, not the temperature. The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm, and even on a cloudy day, 40% of the sun’s light will reach the ground.

You’ve found a mole – don’t panic

Skin cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in New Zealand, but it is also the easiest to cure if diagnosed early.

Of course, this is assuming that what you’ve found is a melanoma in the first place – it might just be a skin tag or a spot. If you have discovered something, it’s not the end of the world, but it is essential you visit a medical professional as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.

Everyone is at risk of skin cancer, but those at increased risk depend on several factors. Skin type of course is a big contributor, and people with fairer skin are more susceptible. People from ethnic groups with darker skin (Māori, Pacific and Asian peoples for example) have more protection against UV rays and so are less likely to get skin cancer.

Family history also plays a major role in skin cancer.

About 10% of people diagnosed with the disease have a family member with a history of melanoma. Anyone with a first-degree relative diagnosed with melanoma has a 50% greater chance of developing the disease, than people who do not have a family history of the disease.

Melanoma

This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but if recognised and treated early, it is almost always curable. The problem comes when it goes undiscovered, and thus spreads to other parts of the body, becoming difficult to treat.

Warning signs to look out for include a change in colour, size or shape of any mole or freckle. Rarely, melanomas can become itchy or bleed, but usually there are no symptoms.

Look out for the ABCDE of melanoma

A – Asymmetry - Imagine a line down the middle of the spot. Is one half different than the other?

B – Border - Does the spot have a spreading or irregular edge?

C – Colour – Are there different colours in the spot?

D – Diameter - Is the spot growing in diameter or size?

E – Elevation - Is the spot growing “up”?

How the Vein and Skin Clinic can help

Our aim at Vein & Skin Clinic is to detect and treat these skin cancers as early as possible.

Our doctors use dermatoscopy to examine and identify any suspicious skin lesions and have the expertise to biopsy and/or excise most skin cancers. All operations are performed on-site (with special attention to a good cosmetic as well as surgical outcome) in one of two dedicated theatres for minor operative procedures.

The most common pre-cancerous skin cancer is actinic keratosis. Pre-cancerous lesions, like warts, seborrheic keratoses, skin tags and other benign skin lesions can be treated on site, with a variety of non-surgical procedures.

Malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma require excision. Actinic keratoses and some early basal cell carcinoma can be treated by a variety of procedures including radiofrequency surgery and photodynamic therapy.

If you have any questions or worries about a mole, growth or lesion, please do not hesitate to contact us and book in an appointment. Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
​
Even if it turns out there’s nothing there, peace of mind is priceless.

Comments are closed.

Follow Us

Author

Dr Poczwa pioneered and performed the first EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) treatment of large varicose veins in New Zealand in 2002. He has successfully treated well over 1000 cases including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere.